Simple build for WoW and Popcap games

[LePhuronn]

Greets to all

I'm putting together a very simple system for a friend that will only be used for playing WoW at half-decent settings and games like the PopCap stuff and online video player stuff like a lot of TV stations do now.

I'm trying to keep it as cheap as possible as it's not intended to be upgraded really. I'm currently just under £400

Athlon II X2 245 2.90GHz
Asus M4A785D-M Pro AMD 785G (AM3, DDR2)
OCZ Gold Edition 4GB (2x2GB) PC2-6400C5 800MHz
XFX ATI Radeon HD 4850 "XXX Edition" 512MB
Corsair CX 400W
Samsung SpinPoint F3 500GB
Sony Optiarc AD-7240S 24x DVD±RW SATA ReWriter
NZXT BETA Classic Series Case

I like the Hybrid Crossfire feature

Now, I know DDR2 and DDR3 prices are almost like-for-like now, but I saved a few quid going for an AM2+ board with DDR2. False economy?

If so, my AM3/DDR3 equivalent would be:
Asus M4A785TD-M Evo
OCZ Gold 4GB (2x2GB) PC3-12800C8 1600MHz

but that puts me over by £20


I was also looking at OC potential and grabbing a Xigmatek Achilles but considering this system will replace her Sempron laptop for gaming duties I don't think she'll notice the OC.

So, your thoughts - budget is not set in stone but I'd like to keep it under £400.

Cheers peeps!

 

[batuchka]

Well for peeps with NewEgg USA access i would slap together this sub $500 WOW box hehe

Perhaps the h/w choices may be of use to you - WOW takes full advantage of 3 cores IIRC

 

[LePhuronn]

Thanks batuchka - I'll price a UK equivalent.

The only significant difference is the Athlon II X3 - if WoW can use all the cores it's something to consider and see if I can cram into the budget.

 

[batuchka]

You are welcomed ^^

 

[LePhuronn]

OK, quick update:

Having assessed the situation, there's not really going to be room downstairs for rig and monitor so I'm thinking of making use of the spare HDMI port on my 50" TV and use that.

So, I need a graphics card that can play WoW on half-decent settings at 1080p and ideally send the rig's audio stream over HDMI.

Suggested revisions anyone?

 

[sonic-boom]

That will work for it, but I can tell you now, it is going to be hell trying to play a mmorpg on a 50". It takes like 1 sec to get all the way across the screen.

 

[LePhuronn]

Damn those 50" TVs increasing the size of the world…

So, are we still saying GTS 250 or my original Radeon 4850? Do you just plug a cable from the motherboard audio chip into the graphics card and the audio gets mixed into the HDMI signal?

 

[sonic-boom]

Either the 250 or the 4850 will work. No on the cord, just hdmi cord from video card to tv I think.

 

[LePhuronn]

Hmmm...aftermarket cooler or not.

How loud is the stock AMD cooler?

 

[sonic-boom]

frostytech.com

 

[batuchka]

Don't forget wireless kb/mouse and game from the couch